The Evolution Championship Series (Evo) 2025, held August 1-3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, solidified its status as the premier fighting game event, drawing over 8,000 players and millions of viewers.
The tournament showcased top-tier competitions and major game announcements, shaping the future of the genre.
Main Tournament Highlights
Top Champions and Games
| Game | Winner |
| Street Fighter 6 | WBG - MenaRD |
| Tekken 8 | TM - Arslan Ash |
| Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves | DFM - Go1 |
| Guilty Gear Strive | Kshuewhatdamoo |
| Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising | PAR - Kojicoco |
| Marvel vs. Capcom 2 | CM - Khaos |
| Under Night In-Birth 2 [Sys:celes] | BBB - Defiant |
| Mortal Kombat 1 | LG - SonicFox |
Expanded Competitive Lineup
The Extended Lineup elevated side tournaments, with winners like Plup (Rivals of Aether 2) and Xcaliburbladez (BlazBlue: Central Fiction). This move highlighted smaller communities, offering prize pools and official recognition.
Game Announcements & Reveals
Street Fighter 6: C. Viper and Outfit Updates
Capcom announced C. Viper as a DLC character for Street Fighter 6, set for release in Fall 2025.
The returning fighter, known for her high-tech moveset, will bring new gameplay dynamics.
Additionally, Outfit 4 swimsuit costumes for characters like AKI and Cammy launched on August 5, 2025, enhancing customization options.
Guilty Gear Strive: Lucy and Version 2.00
Arc System Works revealed Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners as a guest character, launching August 21, 2025.
Her unique moveset integrates with the game's aesthetic. A major update, version 2.00, was teased for 2026, promising balance changes and new features.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves: Ken Masters
SNK introduced Ken Masters from Street Fighter as a DLC character, a cross-franchise addition enhancing the game's appeal.
This move builds on Fatal Fury's bold character roster, with release details pending.
Tekken 8: Armor King and Miary Zo
Bandai Namco unveiled Armor King and new character Miary Zo for Tekken 8, set for October 16, 2025, alongside the Baobab Horizon stage.
These additions expand the roster and introduce fresh environments.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls (Closed Beta)
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, a 4v4 tag fighter by Arc System Works, opened PS5 closed beta registration for September 5-7, 2025.
The beta features six characters (Captain America, Iron Man, Ms. Marvel, Star-Lord, Storm, Doctor Doom), online matches, spectator mode, and a tutorial, with a full release planned for 2026 on PS5 and PC.
Virtua Fighter: New Entry and R.E.V.O.
Sega teased a new Virtua Fighter for 2026, showcased at Tokyo Game Show in September 2025.
Also, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage was confirmed for October 30, 2025, on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, with Switch 2 support planned, revitalizing the franchise.
Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes: Izumi
Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes added Izumi as a playable character, launching August 18, 2025, on PS4, PS5, and PC, with a Switch release on August 20, 2025, expanding the game's roster.
Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising: Wilnas and Update
Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising introduced Wilnas with update 2.20, featuring EX Characters and a Zombie Land Saga collaboration, including a Premium Avatar Set, enhancing gameplay variety.
More Games
Playable demos for Invincible VS and 2XKO also debuted at Evo 2025.
Editor's Comments
Evo 2025 demonstrated the fighting game community's resilience and growth, blending fierce competition with forward-looking reveals.
The inclusion of the Extended Lineup signals Evo's commitment to diversity, potentially paving the way for niche titles to gain prominence.
Announcements like Marvel Tōkon and Virtua Fighter's return suggest a vibrant future, though developers must balance innovation with accessibility to sustain casual interest.
FAQs
1. When and where was Evo 2025 held?
Evo 2025 took place August 1-3, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
2. Which games were in the main lineup?
The main lineup included Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Guilty Gear Strive, Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Under Night In-Birth 2, and Mortal Kombat 1.
3. Who won Street Fighter 6 at Evo 2025?
WBG|MenaRD won Street Fighter 6, using Blanka.
4. What new characters were announced?
Notable reveals included Viper (Street Fighter 6), Lucy (Guilty Gear Strive), Ken Masters (Fatal Fury), and Armor King/Miary Zo (Tekken 8).
5. What is the Extended Lineup?
The Extended Lineup featured officially recognized side tournaments like Rivals of Aether 2 and BlazBlue: Central Fiction, with prize pools.
6. Were there any new game reveals?
Yes, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls opened beta registration, and a new Virtua Fighter was teased for 2026.
7. How many people attended Evo 2025?
Over 8,000 players registered, with an estimated 6.5 million online viewers.
8. What was the significance of Evo Moment #37 at the event?
A recreation of the iconic Street Fighter III parry moment was a highlight, celebrating the community's history.
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